Iron cross blister beetle

Deserts and Arid Regions

Deserts and Arid Regions

Given that iron cross blister beetle is a member of the Meloidae family, people may use trap foods that attract beetles such as soft fruits, decaying plant material, or pheromone lures specific to iron cross blister beetle's species.

Eggs of iron cross blister beetle are typically laid in sandy soils near the host plants on which the emerging larvae, called triungulins, can readily find a bee host. These triungulins attach themselves to foraging bees and are transported to the bee’s nest, where they enter cells to consume bee eggs and provisions. Fully grown larvae then leave the nest to pupate in the soil. Adult iron cross blister beetle, which are often brightly colored, are usually found in arid environments where their host plants grow and are typically active during daylight, often spotted on flowers or foliage. To search for the various stages, examine the ground of arid regions for triungulin activity, inspect bee nests for larvae, and survey host plants for adults.

The best time to find adult iron cross blister beetle is often during the warmer months of the year, in the late afternoon or evening when temperatures are moderate and the beetles are more active.

To find iron cross blister beetle, it's ideal to search on dry, warm days. Excessively hot or rainy weather can reduce the likelihood of encountering iron cross blister beetle, as beetles tend to be less active during such conditions.